The Best Phone Trade-In Deals: How to Get Full Trade-In Value for Your Old Phone

The Basics of Phone Trade-In Offers and Estimated Trade-In Value

What does a phone trade-in give you? It’s a deal from a retailer, wireless carrier, or manufacturer that offers credits in exchange for your used phone. You can usually apply these credits toward your next phone, or you can use them toward your monthly bill with your cellular provider. These are a popular way to make new phones cheaper by trading in an eligible device - and they’ve never been more helpful. According to Assurant’s Q4 2025 Mobile Trade-In and Upgrade Industry Trends Report, U.S. consumers received more than $6.4 billion in value through mobile trade-in programs in 2025, a 42% increase year-over-year and the largest annual total since Assurant began tracking the data in 2015.

Most of these programs are restricted to store credit or gift cards, though some businesses will give you instant trade-in credit and others take a few weeks to process your payment. Verizon, just to give you an example, offers trade-in value as either store credit or a PayPal deposit. Carrier deals can be big - latest promotions include as high as $1,900 off the Galaxy Z Fold 8 at T-Mobile with trade-in and as high as $1,100 off the iPhone 17 series at Verizon with trade-in.

Regardless of the payout method, the amount you’ll get for your old phone can vary based on the phone’s brand and model, its condition (cosmetic and functional), and its storage capacity - it’s also worth knowing that where you trade in your phone can make a difference. For example, trading a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 at a buyback company versus AT&T yielded a difference of around $147 - roughly 40% more value through the third-party buyback path; it’s why it pays to compare offers before committing to any single program.

Why Should You Use a Phone Trade-In Program?

Use Your Old Device to Receive a Discount on a New One

First off, there are obvious financial benefits to these programs. Instead of paying the full retail price for a brand-new phone, an eligible trade-in device can take a big bite out of your upfront costs. According to Assurant’s Q4 2025 Mobile Trade-In and Upgrade Industry Trends Report, U.S. consumers received more than $6.4 billion in value through mobile trade-in programs in 2025 - a 42% increase year-over-year and the largest annual total since Assurant began tracking the data in 2015. Current carrier deals illustrate just how significant these savings can be, with T-Mobile giving as high as $1,900 off the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Verizon giving as high as $1,100 off the iPhone 17 series, with a qualifying trade-in.

Create a More Tidy Home

The second popular benefit is tidying up your home by getting rid of unused electronics. Whenever you submit a device trade-in, that’s one less smartphone cluttering up your junk drawer or collecting dust on a forgotten shelf. Data shows that consumers are holding onto their phones longer than ever before - iPhones are being traded in at an average age of 3.76 years, and Android devices average over 4 years at trade-in - meaning plenty of people have aging devices sitting around that are still worth money.

Eco-Friendly Practices

Sustainability is another big selling point for these programs. The amount of electronic waste in our environment is already a big issue, as these devices can leach harsh chemicals into our air, water, and soil if disposed of improperly. When you trade in your old Apple or Android device instead of tossing it, you cut back on e-waste and cut back on the demand for the raw materials used to manufacture new ones. With billions of dollars’ worth of trade-ins processed annually, these programs are collectively diverting a large number of devices from landfills each year.

Where Is the Best Place to Trade In Your Used Phone?

In general, there are three core types of trade-in programs: those with mobile carriers, electronics retailers, and device manufacturers.

Trade-in programs have grown in popularity. According to Assurant’s Q4 2025 Mobile Trade-In and Upgrade Industry Trends Report, U.S. consumers received more than $6.4 billion in value through mobile trade-in programs in 2025 - a 42% increase year-over-year and the largest annual total since Assurant began tracking the data in 2015. Clearly, more people than ever are cashing in on their old devices, which makes picking the right program all the more important.

Wireless Carriers

All of the carriers in the U.S. give you programs that exchange trade-in credits for used smartphones and tablets. Carrier deals can look great on the surface. But the fine print shows something different. For example, data from mid-2025 showed that trading in a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 at a buyback company yielded $437, compared to just $290 at AT&T - that’s 40% more value by going outside the carrier ecosystem.

AT&T

AT&T sometimes has generous trade-in promotions, and that’s also the case if you lock in a deal during the launch of a new Apple or Samsung device. Depending on the deal, trade in a qualifying device and you can get credits toward the buy price of your next device. That said, AT&T spreads out its credits over 36 billing cycles, so you’ll need to stay on your latest contract with AT&T for at least three years, otherwise you’ll forfeit any remaining credits.

T-Mobile

T-Mobile’s program is pretty similar to AT&T’s, though it can be quite aggressive with promotional deals around new device launches. As of mid-2026, T-Mobile is giving as high as $1,900 off the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 with an eligible trade-in, which is one of the more competitive carrier promotions currently available. While some deals are spread over 24 months and others over 36 months, there’s still a long waiting period during which your credits trickle in. Also like AT&T, this slow trickle of credits is usually your only option - there’s no instant credit option, and you can’t use other forms of payment.

Verizon

Verizon has what we see to be the most flexible trade-in program among the three top wireless carriers in the United States. As of 2026, Verizon is giving as high as $1,100 off the iPhone 17 series with an eligible trade-in, which makes it a strong option for Apple loyalists looking to upgrade. Verizon also makes it easier than AT&T and T-Mobile to get your value faster, with its instant trade-in credit and PayPal options.

While AT&T and T-Mobile make you wait years to receive your full trade-in value, Verizon has instant credit for existing customers. You’ll still need to wait one or two monthly billing cycles to get your credits. But once you do, you’ll receive the full value in one deposit. Verizon also has an option to receive your payout via PayPal. Once Verizon confirms your trade-in status, they’ll submit a deposit to your PayPal account within two weeks of receiving your old phone. New customers are eligible as well.

Device Manufacturers

Popular smartphone makers also offer their own in-house trade-in device programs. Let’s look at the most popular manufacturers and see what they offer in this area.

Apple Trade-In

With Apple’s in-house program, you can receive trade-in credits for your old phone and use them toward your next device. You can make this exchange online or at your nearest Apple Store location.

What if your used iPhone or iPad is too old or beat up to get a resale value? Apple will still recycle it for you on your behalf, like we will at ecoATM. We’re always appreciative of other businesses that prioritize the environment like we do, so we wanted to point out this feature of Apple’s program.

That said, Apple’s trade-in values can lag behind what you’d get from third-party buyback services or some retailers - it’s worth getting a quote elsewhere before committing to Apple’s offer, and that’s also the case if maximizing your payout is a priority.

Samsung Device Trade-Ins

Samsung’s in-house trade-in program shares similarities with Apple’s. One known benefit is the number of eligible devices - unlike Apple, Samsung also accepts smartphones and tablets from other manufacturers as trade-in devices. So if you have an old iPhone but want to switch to the latest Samsung Galaxy model, Samsung’s trade-in program will allow you to do just that.

As with all manufacturer programs, trade-in values change frequently, so it’s worth checking Samsung’s latest offers and comparing them against third-party options before making a choice.

Google Store Trade-In Program

Like Samsung, Google accepts a number of old devices through its trade-in program - like those manufactured by rivals like Apple and Samsung. However, Google has historically offered lower trade-in values compared to other programs, and its payouts for its own Pixel devices and third-party phones have usually been less competitive compared to what you’d find at retailers or dedicated buyback services.

That said, if you’re already purchasing something from the Google Store, it’s worth checking their latest trade-in offers to see if the numbers make sense for your situation. Values change, so what was true at the time of this writing may look different.

Electronics Retailers

Some retail stores also offer their own trade-in programs. Take a look at the two most popular options. Do either of them appeal to you?

Best Buy

Do you have other electronics beyond smartphones and tablets to trade in? Best Buy could be a great option for you - this retailer accepts smartphones, tablets, headphones, wearables, e-readers, computers, video game consoles, and more as eligible devices.

Best Buy also tends to give you competitive trade-in values for smartphones, usually exceeding what manufacturers offer. Best Buy issues trade-in credits in the form of gift cards, and they’ll deliver your gift card within five days of receiving your devices. If you frequently shop at Best Buy anyway, it will be a convenient and helpful way to offset the cost of new electronics.

Amazon

Amazon’s trade-in program could be a good choice depending on what you want to buy with your credits. If you want an Amazon device, like a Kindle, a Fire Tablet, or an Echo device, you can get a 20% discount on your chosen device in addition to a gift card for your trade-in device’s estimated value.

Amazon accepts devices manufactured by a number of businesses - like Apple, Samsung, Microsoft, Google, Bose, Sony, Netgear, Asus, TP-Link, and more. If you have any Amazon electronics on your wish list and a spare phone lying around at home, this program could be the right one.

ecoATM

Here at ecoATM, our process isn’t technically a “trade-in” program - it’s more of a “buyback” program, in that we don’t need you to swap your old device for a new one. Instead, we offer instant cash for your used smartphones and tablets and let you choose how you want to spend it!

ecoATM has over 6,500 kiosks located in popular retail centers across the country. We give you a fast, hassle-free way to sell your old phone without waiting for buyer confirmation, shipping, credit processing, etc. After all - even with a prepaid shipping label, it can take weeks to complete the entire trade-in process via mail. And as the data shows, the average iPhone traded in 2025 was nearly four years old - meaning many people are sitting on devices that could have been worth money sooner.

With ecoATM, the process is very easy. First, you can use the kiosk locator tool on our website to find the ecoATM location nearest you. With thousands of kiosks at respected stores like Walmart, Dollar General, and Kroger, there’s a chance you already shop at a store with an ecoATM kiosk.

Next, you’ll want to get a quote. You can either use the ” HGLINK0 ” tool on our website to get an estimate, or you can simply bring your device to the kiosk for an evaluation. We’ll provide you with an exact quote based on the brand, model, storage capacity, and condition of your device.

If you agree to our offer, all you need to do is leave your phone at the kiosk and walk away with cash in your pocket! If you prefer online payment, you can use a PayPal or Venmo transfer instead of cash.

One of the biggest ecoATM selling points is our commitment to the environment. Whether we’re able to buy your old phone or not, we’ll offer to recycle it on your behalf - this recycling service doesn’t cost you a penny - we offer our recycling services free of charge because it’s worth losing a few dollars of possible profit if it means we’re protecting our planet with each transaction.

How to Maximize the Trade-In Value of Your Eligible Device

Regardless of whether you use a trade-in program from a carrier, manufacturer, or retailer - or you choose ecoATM’s efficient buyback service - there are steps you can take to get the most from your old device. With U.S. consumers receiving more than $6.4 billion in value through mobile trade-in programs in 2025 (a 42% increase year-over-year, according to Assurant), it’s clear that maximizing your trade-in payout is worth the effort.

Always Take Good Care of Your Phone

Damaged devices have less value. When you keep your devices in good condition, you make sure they fetch top resale value. Think about it: a phone in flawless condition will always receive a higher payout than one with cosmetic or functional imperfections. If your device powers down frequently or has cosmetic imperfections, it will have a lower resale value. You should use a screen protector and a quality case to help protect your device and stay away from problems like cracked screens, scratches, and water damage.

Include Any Relevant Accessories if Requested

Many trade-in programs don’t give you any extra money if you include the device’s original packaging, a charger, or a cord. For instance, here at ecoATM, we will recycle these items on your behalf. But we won’t increase your payout if you include them. If you find a program that gives extra cash for original accessories, make sure to include them to maximize your payout.

Properly Prepare Your Phone for Resale

There are a few steps you should take to prepare your device for the resale market, whether you’re selling it at an ecoATM kiosk or trading it in with Apple Trade-In. First, back up your personal data, like your photos, videos, app data, and more. You can’t retrieve your data after you sell your device, so now is the time to back it up.

Next, log out of your accounts, like your Apple ID, Samsung account, or Google account. Finally, wipe all remaining data from the device by factory resetting it - this will restore the phone to its original settings and allow its new user to customize it as they see fit.

Unlock Your Device

Unlocked phones usually get the highest payouts. There are three different types of cell phone locks:

• Passcode Lock: This one is relatively simple - it’s the lock that applies to your phone when you turn the screen off. Many devices we receive at ecoATMs (and that trade-in programs receive from sellers) are passcode locked, and it’s no big deal to unlock them.
• Carrier Lock: You can sell devices that are carrier locked, although you’ll get less money for them. A carrier lock means that it can only be used on a specific carrier’s wireless network, for instance, AT&T. This usually means the previous owner had a payment plan with their wireless carrier that they didn’t finish paying off. If this sounds like your situation, contact your wireless provider to request the removal of this carrier lock.
• Activation Lock: This type of lock is the reason we always tell people to log out of their accounts before selling their old phones. An activation lock means the phone is still tied to the previous owner’s iCloud, Samsung, or Google account. No one else can use these devices until they’re logged out, and you cannot legally sell a device with an active activation lock.

Compare Offers

One of the most important things you can do is simply shop around. The difference between offers can be significant - for example, trading in a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 at a buyback company versus AT&T yielded a $147 difference, or roughly 40% more value, according to data gathered in mid-2025. Carrier promotions can give you strong value in the right circumstances: as of 2026, deals as high as $1,900 off the Galaxy Z Fold 8 at T-Mobile or as high as $1,100 off the iPhone 17 series at Verizon are available with eligible trade-ins. Get a few quotes from different sources and pick the one with the best combination of pricing and convenience before committing.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Trading In an Old Phone

For the most part, trading in a phone is a pretty easy process. That said, staying away from these common mistakes helps you maximize your trade-in value - and with U.S. consumers collectively receiving more than $6.4 billion through mobile trade-in programs in 2025 (a 42% year-over-year increase, per Assurant), there’s money on the table worth claiming.

Exaggerating the Device’s Condition

When you’re collecting quotes for your old phone, you’ll have to be honest about the condition. Device condition is one of the most important variables when determining trade-in values, and it’s not like the businesses talked about above won’t do their due diligence. In other words, if your device is in fair condition, say that. Don’t stretch the truth and say otherwise, as you won’t get accurate quotes for your device.

Mistiming Your Trade-In

There’s never a bad time to sell an old phone at an ecoATM kiosk. However, with manufacturer and retailer trade-in programs, there are cut-off times when you’ll get a better deal. Time your trade-in to overlap with new phone announcements - on that note, T-Mobile is currently giving as high as $1,900 off the Galaxy Z Fold 8 with trade-in, and Verizon is giving as high as $1,100 off the iPhone 17 series with trade-in. Major retail holidays like Black Friday are also prime windows, as carriers, retailers, and manufacturers frequently stack extra incentives during these periods.

Not Shopping Around for the Best Offer

One of the costliest mistakes you can make is accepting the first trade-in offer you receive. The difference between programs can be big. For instance, a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 traded in at a buyback company fetched $437 compared to just $290 at AT&T - a difference of $147, or over 40% more value. Always compare offers from multiple sources before committing, and don’t assume your carrier is giving you the best deal just because the promotional headline looks great.

Failing to Prepare Your Phone

Don’t forget to back up your personal data, log out of your accounts, and reset your phone to factory settings. Not only is it impossible to retrieve your data once it’s gone, but failing to complete these steps can also make it more difficult to trade in your phone.

Waiting Too Long to Trade In

The longer you hold onto an old device, the less it’s worth. According to Assurant’s Q4 2025 data, the average iPhone traded in was just under 3.76 years old, but Android devices averaged over 4 years at trade-in. In most cases, waiting those extra months means leaving money behind, as resale values depreciate steadily over time. If you’re on the fence, sooner is usually better.

Using a Program That Isn’t Eco-Friendly

There are many trade-in and buyback programs that responsibly recycle old phones and tablets. For example, ecoATM and Apple do everything they can to protect the environment when buying old phones. We have one easy question here: If you use a platform other than ecoATM, please make sure they value sustainability. Ask where and how your phone will be recycled if it can’t be resold. If the answer doesn’t promote a greener future, look for an alternate option.

 

Skip the Hassles and Sell Your Old Phone for Instant Cash With ecoATM

Why bother with red tape and years-long waiting periods when you can get cash in your pocket? Here at ecoATM, you won’t have to wait 36 monthly billing cycles to get your trade-in credits - you can get instant cash on the spot!

To put that in perspective, U.S. consumers received more than $6.4 billion in value through mobile trade-in programs in 2024 alone - a 42% increase year-over-year and the largest annual total since Assurant began tracking the data in 2015. Clearly, more people than ever are waking up to the value sitting in their old devices. The question is whether you want that value locked into carrier billing credits spread over years, or cash in your hands.

We’ve already helped recycle over 50 million used phones and tablets over the years. When you choose ecoATM, you participate in the circular economy and help us promote a greener future for our planet. With thousands of kiosks in respected retail stores from coast to coast, most Americans live or work near an ecoATM kiosk.

Find the nearest kiosk to you and exchange your old electronics for quick cash with ecoATM.